Get to know me
My name is Katie and I grew up in the South-West of France where my fascination with wildlife started. As a child, the animals I would see the most were the ones in my garden. Insects have always been my main focus as they play a key role in our ecosystems and yet are so easily overlooked.
Having graduated from Falmouth University with a degree in Marine and Natural History Photography in 2021 and now living in England, I use my skills to show people the hidden world that is right under their noses by highlighting the beauty of smaller creatures. I love taking something that is mundane like seaweed or a detail on an insect and revealing its intricate patterns that escape the naked eye.
Whether I am using a macro lens, a microscope or any other equipment, my aim is to focus on the importance of our local wildlife. Through my photography I reveal the wildlife that is right on our doorsteps, much of which is under threat and rapidly declining.
Alongside my passion for wildlife photography, I found an interest in capturing images of people’s beloved pets! I didn’t want to stick to traditional pet photography and instead created a unique and playful way to photograph their magnificent pets.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Girls Who Click Ambassador
Finalist for Close-Up Photographer of the Year number 2 under the Micro category for “Bee wing assembly”
Winner of Focus of Survival: Life in lockdown run by Explorers Against Extinction with ‘The Rise of the Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle’
Winner of Wild Film Fest under the Animal Portrait category with ‘Bruxa’
Shortlisted for CUPOTY01 under the Microscopy category
Tate Collective Producers
I was part of the Tate Collective Producers where I was able to expand my creative knowledge, design & deliver thought provoking workshops and respond to the artwork of the artists that were exhibiting at the Tate.
During my time as a TCP I was able to put together a sculpture in response to Haegue-Yang’s sculptures of drying racks. By taking inspiration from her work, I was to think of 1 main household object, and 3 complimentary objects that would express something about me. The artwork is called ‘Bedtime Anguish’.
The sculpture and mandalas were on a temporary display at the Tate St Ives, as seen on the images below.
Another project I worked on with the Tate Collective Producers, exhibited at the Tate St Ives, was the Chaos Wall for our very own TCP exhibition. I created what I call “Beautiful Chaos” through the use of Mandalas.
The beauty of Mandalas - There are many theories around the different benefits mandalas can provide for individuals. The first: taking people on a spiritual journey, questioning the universe and what place we hold within it. The shape of the mandalas can also represent the idea that life is never ending and that everything is connected. The second: Through its beauty and vibrant colours it can relax a person, aid in their meditation, remove irritating thoughts, self-discovery and finally centre the body and mind. I think that in the case of my mandalas, the viewer will be able to admire the beauty of our natural kingdom whilst calming their minds thanks to their shape. It will invite people to question the place insects hold in the universe as well as our role to protect them.
Bedtime Anguish, ©Katie Waddington
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth Caterpillar Mandala, ©Katie Waddington
Forester Moth Mandala, ©Katie Waddington
Ladybird Beauty Mandala, ©Katie Waddington
Chaos, Connections and Collaboration, An Exhibition curated and produced by the Tate Collective Producers, Young People’s Programme at Tate St Ives. Photo © Tate 2021
“Katie spent two weeks of work experience with me. During that time she had the opportunity to accompany me on several photographic shoots during which she was not only helpful but very attentive to what was going on and clearly learning a good deal. Furthermore, she was always punctual and reliable.
I was impressed by the quality of the photographs she showed me particularly by their composition which I believe to be an extremely important element in the creation of effective images.
I would have no hesitation in recommending her.”
Clive Barda OBE